How to Treat an Infected Nose Stud

Body piercings carry a risk of infection and other complications. Sometimes the piercing gun is not sterilized properly between uses, causing bacteria to enter through the skin opening. Symptoms of an infected nose stud include swelling, redness and pus buildup.

Things You'll Need

• Alcoholic pad
• Topical antibiotic such as Neosporin
• Bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove surface bacteria and dirt. If you touch your piercing with dirty hands, you risk transporting even more bacteria onto your nose and making the infection worse.

• 2

  Remove the nose stud. In order for the infection to clear up, the foreign matter in your flesh must be removed. This may cause the piercing to close, but it's also imperative if you want to get rid of the infection. You can maintain the pierced hole by inserting a Teflon catheter or a loop made of nylon suture; these are best obtained from, and inserted by, a physician.

• 3

  Wipe the area with an antiseptic or alcohol pad. This may sting a little when the active ingredients in the pad come in contact with the open wound.

• 4

  Apply a topical antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin or bacitracin onto the infected area. Rub the ointment on the outer and inner part of your nose. Optional: Cover the area with a bandage to prevent external bacteria or microbes from penetrating the wound.

• 5

  Repeat Steps 3 and 4 about twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once in the evening. The nose stud infection should clear up within 4 to 7 days.